ISRO set to launch cutting-edge earth observation satellite on SSLV-D3 mission

EOS-08 satellite (Image: ISRO)

he Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is poised to launch its latest marvel, the Earth Observation Satellite EOS-08, using the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV)-D3. This mission not only marks the third developmental flight of the SSLV but also showcases ISRO's continuous advancements in satellite technology and launch capabilities.

A New Chapter in Space Exploration

The EOS-08 mission is an ambitious project aimed at designing and developing a microsatellite, creating compatible payload instruments, and integrating new technologies for future operational satellites. Built on the Microsat/IMS-1 bus, EOS-08 is set to carry three significant payloads, each with a unique purpose and advanced capabilities.

Key Payloads on Board

Electro Optical Infrared Payload (EOIR): This payload is engineered to capture images in the Mid-Wave IR (MIR) and Long-Wave IR (LWIR) bands, both during the day and night. Its versatile applications include:

* Satellite-based surveillance
* Disaster monitoring
* Environmental monitoring
* Fire detection
* Volcanic activity observation
* Industrial disaster monitoring

Global Navigation Satellite System-Reflectometry (GNSS-R)

The GNSS-R payload is designed to demonstrate the potential of using GNSS-R-based remote sensing for:

* Ocean surface wind analysis
* Soil moisture assessment
* Cryosphere studies over the Himalayan region
* Flood detection
* Inland waterbody detection

he Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is poised to launch its latest marvel, the Earth Observation Satellite EOS-08, using the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV)-D3. This mission not only marks the third developmental flight of the SSLV but also showcases ISRO's continuous advancements in satellite technology and launch capabilities.

A New Chapter in Space Exploration

The EOS-08 mission is an ambitious project aimed at designing and developing a microsatellite, creating compatible payload instruments, and integrating new technologies for future operational satellites. Built on the Microsat/IMS-1 bus, EOS-08 is set to carry three significant payloads, each with a unique purpose and advanced capabilities.

Key Payloads on Board

Electro Optical Infrared Payload (EOIR): This payload is engineered to capture images in the Mid-Wave IR (MIR) and Long-Wave IR (LWIR) bands, both during the day and night. Its versatile applications include:

* Satellite-based surveillance
* Disaster monitoring
* Environmental monitoring
* Fire detection
* Volcanic activity observation
* Industrial disaster monitoring

Global Navigation Satellite System-Reflectometry (GNSS-R)

The GNSS-R payload is designed to demonstrate the potential of using GNSS-R-based remote sensing for:

* Ocean surface wind analysis
* Soil moisture assessment
* Cryosphere studies over the Himalayan region
* Flood detection
* Inland waterbody detection

SiC UV Dosimeter

This instrument is tailored to monitor UV irradiance at the viewport of the Crew Module in the Gaganyaan Mission and acts as a high-dose alarm sensor for gamma radiation.

Technical Specs and Innovations

The EOS-08 satellite, weighing approximately 175.5 kg, is designed to operate in a Circular Low Earth Orbit (LEO) at an altitude of 475 km with an inclination of 37.4°, and boasts a mission life of one year. Among its advanced features is the integrated avionics system, also known as the Communication, Baseband, Storage, and Positioning (CBSP) Package. This system combines multiple functions into a single efficient unit, supporting up to 400 Gb of data storage.

Read More: ISRO likely to launch Earth Observation Satellite-8 on August 15

Innovations on the EOS-08 include X-band data transmission, advanced battery management systems, and enhanced thermal management materials. The mission also emphasizes indigenization efforts, incorporating solar cell fabrication processes and the use of a Nano-Star Sensor for microsatellite applications.

SSLV: A Game Changer

The SSLV represents a major leap forward in India's space capabilities, providing a cost-effective and flexible solution for launching small satellites into low Earth orbit. With a payload capacity of up to 500 kg to LEO, it caters to the growing global demand for small satellite launches. The SSLV's compact size and quick turnaround time make it ideal for deploying smaller satellites, which are increasingly sought after for Earth observation, communications, and scientific research.

This instrument is tailored to monitor UV irradiance at the viewport of the Crew Module in the Gaganyaan Mission and acts as a high-dose alarm sensor for gamma radiation.

Technical Specs and Innovations

The EOS-08 satellite, weighing approximately 175.5 kg, is designed to operate in a Circular Low Earth Orbit (LEO) at an altitude of 475 km with an inclination of 37.4°, and boasts a mission life of one year. Among its advanced features is the integrated avionics system, also known as the Communication, Baseband, Storage, and Positioning (CBSP) Package. This system combines multiple functions into a single efficient unit, supporting up to 400 Gb of data storage.

Innovations on the EOS-08 include X-band data transmission, advanced battery management systems, and enhanced thermal management materials. The mission also emphasizes indigenization efforts, incorporating solar cell fabrication processes and the use of a Nano-Star Sensor for microsatellite applications.

SSLV: A Game Changer

The SSLV represents a major leap forward in India's space capabilities, providing a cost-effective and flexible solution for launching small satellites into low Earth orbit. With a payload capacity of up to 500 kg to LEO, it caters to the growing global demand for small satellite launches. The SSLV's compact size and quick turnaround time make it ideal for deploying smaller satellites, which are increasingly sought after for Earth observation, communications, and scientific research.

Read More: List of Astronomical Events in August 2024: Know when and what to watch in sky this month